After four years, the official ceremony for the National Day celebrations was once again held at the Champ-de-Mars. This is the first time under the current government that these celebrations have been held on the very spot where the Union Jack was replaced by the Mauritian flag 56 years ago. Health and economic reasons were cited in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 to justify the decision to hold an official ceremony at State House. But this year, for the last time in this mandate, the government has returned to the same program with a cultural show after the official ceremony. Shrimati Draupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India, is the guest of honor.
The guest of honor, the President of the Republic of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu arrived at Champ-de-Mars at around 1:57pm and was welcomed by the President of the Republic. Prithiviraj Roopun and his wife, the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth and his wife, Kobita, the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Avinash Teeluck and the Commissioner of Police and other government representatives.
The flag ceremony, which took place at 2 p.m., was followed by a ’21 – Gun Salute’. Shortly afterwards there was a flypast by helicopters from the Mauritius Police Force and the Indian Naval Dornier Aircfrat, a detachment from the Second Regiment of Marine Infantry Parachutists of the Armed Forces of the Southern Indian Ocean Zone and a parade of vehicles, a contingent from the Indian Navy, the Seychelles Defence Force and Non-Governmental Organizations. Majorettes and majors from Queen Elizabeth College, accompanied by the Police band, also took part in the event.
A cultural program designed by the National Troupe of Mauritius Ltd highlighted Mauritius’ cultural diversity through dance. A revisited version of the song ‘Ruz Ble Zonn Ver’ by the group ABAIM was also performed by some twenty local singers and a choir made up of some one hundred children.
The theme chosen for the 56th anniversary of independence and the 32nd anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius was “Ansam nou Avanse”. This theme reflects the unity of the country, irrespective of different cultures, and reminds us of the power that flows from this unity. It also demonstrates the collective determination to build an inclusive, equitable and prosperous island for all.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu made Doctor Honoris Causa by UoM
The President of the Republic of India, guest of honor at Mauritius’ national holiday celebrations, was made Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Mauritius on Tuesday morning.
The ceremony took place at the Octave Wiehe Auditorium, in Réduit, in the presence of a host of guests, including the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, and the President of the Republic, Pradeep Roopun.
Droupadi Murmu received his honorary doctorate from UoM Chancellor Dr. Jean Claude Autrey.
Meeting with representatives of socio-cultural organizations
Before noon on the same day, Smt Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India and guest of honour at Mauritius’ national day celebrations, visited the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) in Moka, where she met representatives of socio-cultural organizations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, was also present at the meeting.
The President of India meets a number of political personalities.
After attending the national day ceremony at the Champ de Mars, Indian President Srimati Droupadi Murmu held a series of meetings at the Oberoi Hotel in Balaclava. Srimati Droupadi Murmu met with Chief Justice Rehana Mungly Gulbul, Speaker of the National Assembly Sooroojdev Phokeer, Dr Navin Ramgoolam, Paul Bérenger and Opposition leader Xavier Luc Duval. These meetings took place in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius, Nandini Singla.
